‘Harakeke Gulf’, 2023

Oil and housepaint on canvas, framed in stained timber. An aspect from the Duder Reserve overlooking the Hauraki Gulf – this area has cultural significance as one of the first landing sites of the Tainui canoe in the 1300s. The area eventually became a rich growing area for the settling tribe, abundant with fruit and later flaxes which became an important fibre for everyday life.

The flax remains an icon of the New Zealand coastline, especially around the Duck Bay estuary where I live.